[USA-SALVADOR] U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley named the 20 players he will take to Tampa for Wednesday's friendly against El Salvador. Four players in the national team at the Home Depot Center were droppped: goalkeepers Kevin Hartman and Zach Thornton and defenders Omar Gonzalez and Michael Orozco. For the U.S. roster ...

why does bob bradely continue to select marvell wynne.he does not demonstrate any technical ability whatsoever other than predictably race along the touch line with a predictable cross at the last moment?

Ben Zickes

commented on: February 21, 2010 at 12:52 p.m.

My friend hates Wynne too, but I see the other side. What about Bornstein gives you so much confidence that HE WILL BE OUR STARTING LEFT/RIGHT BACK IN THE WORLD CUP? I'm assuming Cherundolo or maybe Spector and then its Bornstein, Hejduk or Wynne, no?
You cite Wynne's lack of offensive skill (and Bornstein does have more creativity), but they are defenders and they have similar pace, but Bornstein brings nothing to our defense on set pieces or in the box. He can tackle but so can Hejduk. Bornstein's head has never seen a soccer ball and that's one thing I kind of like in my defenders. That, and the ability to not get knocked around in the box. If Wynne's strength came on Bornstein's frame, I'm sure we'd have our clear starter...right now, we have two completely opposite-style players so I hope Bob makes the right pick to fill in our weakest position.

Paul Bryant

commented on: February 21, 2010 at 2:17 p.m.

Marvell Wynne is a waste of a roster spot. No creativity, no skill on the ball. Bornstein isn't much better. Bornstein is out of position too often for my taste. Neither player reads the game well enough to play on the U.S. National team.

Ben Zickes

commented on: February 21, 2010 at 3:18 p.m.

My Starters:
PERKINS (GK)
WYNNE-GOODSON-MARSHALL-BORNSTEIN
EVANS-BECKERMAN-KLJESTAN-MCCARTY
CHING-CUNNINGHAM
NOTES: We know what Pearce can offer so I want to know if Goodson can be a reliable center back (so I put him in here with the more vet Marshall). Interested if McCarty can be a spark if he starts on the left, and take your pick up top. What ever happened to Kenny Cooper's development in 08-09?

Manny Hirschel

commented on: February 21, 2010 at 5:57 p.m.

Why are we doing World Cup preparation with mostly MLS players when only three will likely make the team. When is the real team going to play in prep games? That is what's needed Hey guys, we don't have that much time or that many games left.

Ben Zickes

commented on: February 21, 2010 at 6:11 p.m.

This group has been called "Team B" throughout most of the lesser 2008-2009 competitions and for any friendlies where foreign-based players can't get released for non-major national team play. This just represents a group of players who have a chance to fill out the last 5 or 6 spots on the World Cup roster. So they use these matches to see younger players on the field in a US MNT atmosphere. We would hope that this squad could rival the reserves of other world powers, but they clearly don't.
The other nations are doing the same thing now, although Honduras beat us last month with a few main pieces from their WC squad. For example, I can tell Bradley took only 2 GKs on this trip because our WC roster is locked up at goal keeper (3 of the best from the EPL). No need to see any others, so we take 2 with us so we can look at more defenders and attacking players. In April-May, when players are released for the World Cup, we'll have a final friendly or two with the full squad. For now, they're looking to see 5 or 6 key guys from this squad shore up their spots on the WC roster as reserves....keep in mind we have been hit by the injury bug at two defensive positions, midfield and forward, so many of the names you're thinking of couldn't play this round anyways.

Mike Gaire

commented on: February 23, 2010 at 5:15 p.m.

I would like to see the following starters out of that 20 (and I am disappointed that Gonzalez was dropped because he is, at least, worth a place on the bench):
Rimando,
Bornstein, Goodson, Marshall, Pearce, McCarty, Rogers, Pontius, Davis,
Cunningham and Findley
Never been impressed with Perkins, Rimando is solid and reliable. McCarty has shown enough to deserve a start but if he does not do well in the first 60 mins swap him out for Beckerman. Rogers should get half a game to show he still has it in him, and if he has not performed by half time swap him out for Gaven, Evans or Cameron. Don't like either of the choices for left back, would prefer to see Todd Dunivant. Pearce is marginally better than Wynne.